\subsubsection{Xbox Kinect}

The Kinect is a sensor that captures movement via infrared light (IR) and then translates that movement into data that is used in e.g. a game \citep{msdn_Microsoft}.

Two versions of Kinect exist: the original Kinect released as an add-on for the Xbox 360 (2005), and Kinect 2.0 released for the Xbox One (2013). The overall possibilities and capabilities for input among the two are much alike, but the Kinect 2.0 sees improvements on almost every aspect, e.g. resolution, software and its sensors.

\begin{figure}[htbp]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=0.50\textwidth]{Pictures/Design/Kinect.png}
\caption{The original Kinect sensor released alongside the Xbox 360 console \citep{kinect_image}.}
\label{fig:Kinect}
\end{figure}

\begin{itemize}
\item \textbf{Input/output:} An IR sensor allows players to interact with games/programs through movement. An RGB camera makes the Kinect capable of capturing pictures and videos of the players, as well as recognizing faces for profile logins. Additionally, it carries four microphones to determine direction of incoming sound from up to two players (Xbox One), and an accelerometer to determine the Kinect's current orientation. \citep{msdn_Microsoft}.
The only way for the Kinect to output information is through additional hardware, e.g. a screen. 
\item \textbf{Social:} The Kinect is a single device that doesn't require other hardware to capture an input. This means that players are free from carrying controllers or headsets when interacting with a game. The Kinect gathers players in front of the same screen and allows for a gaming experience with more human interaction, since they are not limited to their individual controllers.
\item \textbf{Accessibility:} It is required to calibrate the sensor before it's ready to use in games. It is also important to have the right light conditions. As players have to use their bodies to control games with Kinect, it requires some physical space in front of the screen to work correctly. Compared to traditional game controllers that usually have a lot of buttons, the Kinect utilizes a more intuitive and natural interface via body gestures. However, it lacks tactile feedback.
The original Kinect was released as an extra purchase to the Xbox 360. The Kinect 2.0  was bundled together with the Xbox One, meaning that it is included when you buy the console. Even though the original Kinect is an additional purchase, it has sold over 24 million units \citep{EuroGamerKinect} worldwide. Xbox One, released in late 2013, has to date sold over 3.5 million units (each bundled with a Kinect 2.0).
\end{itemize}

\underline{Assessing The Applicability}

The Kinect is meant for social interaction between players. It utilizes a natural interface, which means that players are more free and might feel more immersed in the game experience. Also, the Kinect technology is gathered in one single device, meaning that only one device is required for playing multiplayer.

Traditional games are not well-suited for the Kinect in that the inputs are limited to motion-based gestures (or you have to use an external input device such as a controller).

There is, however, not any possibilities for output from the Kinect itself, meaning that it isn't capable of mediating private/asymmetric information to individual players. This is obviously problematic for the scope of this project. Furthermore, it requires a lot of physical space to work properly.